Refreshing Strawberry Rhubarb Salad: A Taste of Summer All Year Long

This Strawberry Rhubarb Salad is the next best thing to Strawberry Rhubarb Pie and a great way to use all the rhubarb coming in from the garden. You can use fresh or frozen strawberries or rhubarb so you can enjoy it all year long. I like to use sugar-free jello, but the regular jello works as well.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a delightful balance of sweet and tart. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 4 cups rhubarb, diced (fresh or frozen)
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste depending on rhubarb tartness and gelatin choice)
• 2 (3 ounce) packages sugar-free strawberry gelatin (or regular, if preferred)
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best, but store-bought works too)
• 1/4 teaspoon orange peel, grated (adds a bright citrus note)
• 2 cups strawberries, sliced

How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a refreshing and delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Salad.

1. Prepare the Rhubarb: Dice the rhubarb, or use frozen diced rhubarb. This ensures even cooking.
2. Cook the Rhubarb: Place the diced rhubarb, water, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer Until Tender: Cook uncovered until the rhubarb is tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. The rhubarb should easily break apart with a fork.
5. Remove from Heat: Once the rhubarb is tender, remove the saucepan from the heat.
6. Dissolve the Gelatin: Stir in the strawberry gelatin until it is completely dissolved. Make sure no granules remain.
7. Add Orange Juice and Peel: Add the orange juice and grated orange peel to the mixture; mix well to combine all the flavors.
8. Chill Until Thickened: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until it begins to thicken. This usually takes about 1 to 2 hours, or slightly longer. You want it to be partially set but not completely solid.
9. Fold in Strawberries: Once the gelatin mixture has begun to thicken, gently fold in the sliced strawberries. Be careful not to overmix.
10. Pour into a Bowl: Pour the strawberry-rhubarb mixture into a 2-quart bowl or serving dish.
11. Chill Until Set: Chill in the refrigerator until the salad is completely set. This usually takes at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight.
12. Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with a dollop of whipped topping and fresh strawberries before serving. This adds a touch of elegance and extra flavor.

Quick Facts

Here’s a quick overview of the recipe:

• Ready In: 38 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Ingredients: 7
• Serves: 12-14

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 85.9
• Calories from Fat: 1 g
• Calories from Fat Pct Daily Value: 2 %
• Total Fat: 0.2 g 0 %
• Saturated Fat: 0 g 0 %
• Cholesterol: 0 mg 0 %
• Sodium: 125.2 mg 5 %
• Total Carbohydrate: 25.6 g 8 %
• Dietary Fiber: 1.3 g 5 %
• Sugars: 11.7 g 46 %
• Protein: 2.9 g 5 %

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Salad

Making this Strawberry Rhubarb Salad is easy, but here are some tips and tricks to ensure the best results:

• Adjust Sweetness: The amount of sugar can be adjusted depending on the tartness of your rhubarb and your personal preference. Taste the rhubarb mixture before adding the gelatin and adjust accordingly.
• Use High-Quality Gelatin: Using a good quality gelatin will help the salad set properly and have a smoother texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Rhubarb: Overcooked rhubarb will become mushy. Cook it until it’s just tender for the best texture.
• Chill Properly: Make sure to chill the gelatin mixture until it’s partially set before adding the strawberries. This will prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the salad.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: Both fresh and frozen rhubarb and strawberries work well in this recipe. If using frozen, thaw them slightly before using.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to add other fruits or nuts to this salad. Raspberries, blueberries, or chopped pecans would be delicious additions.
• Serving Suggestions: This salad is great on its own, but it also pairs well with grilled chicken or pork.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Strawberry Rhubarb Salad:

1. Can I use a different type of gelatin? Yes, you can use any flavor of gelatin that complements strawberry and rhubarb, such as raspberry or even unflavored gelatin.
2. Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar? Yes, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar. Use the same amount, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and color of the salad.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I freeze this salad? While you can freeze gelatin salads, the texture may change when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
5. What can I do if my salad doesn’t set properly? If your salad doesn’t set properly, it could be due to too much liquid or not enough gelatin. You can try dissolving an additional package of gelatin in a small amount of water and adding it to the salad.
6. Can I use rhubarb from my garden? Yes, using rhubarb from your garden is a great way to enjoy this recipe. Just make sure to wash the rhubarb thoroughly before using it.
7. What’s the best way to store leftover salad? Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
8. Can I add nuts to this salad? Yes, chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition.
9. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free gelatin.
10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make this recipe dairy-free, omit the whipped topping garnish or use a dairy-free whipped topping alternative.
11. What if I don’t have orange peel? If you don’t have orange peel, you can omit it. However, it does add a nice citrusy flavor, so try to include it if possible. Lemon peel can also be substituted.
12. Can I use other fruits besides strawberries? Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches.
13. How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom? Make sure the gelatin mixture has started to thicken before adding the strawberries. This will help them stay suspended throughout the salad.
14. Can I use fresh orange juice instead of store-bought? Fresh orange juice will always enhance the flavor, but store-bought is great in a pinch!
15. Is it okay to use Stevia instead of Sugar? Absolutely, feel free to use whatever sweetener you are most comfortable with. Add more if you want it sweeter.